Saadia Zahidi

Saadia Zahidi is an economist and policy leader specializing in the future of work, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth. Zahidi has built her career at the World Economic Forum, where she advanced from economist to Managing Director and Executive Committee member. She has held roles including Head of the Gender Parity Programme, Head of Civil Society, Head of Employment and Gender Initiatives, and Head of Education, Gender, and Work.

As head of the Forum's Centre for the New Economy and Society, Zahidi has collaborated with business, government, academia, and civil society to promote economic opportunity. She is recognized for her role in developing the Forum's flagship research publications, such as the "Future of Jobs Report," "Global Gender Gap Report," "Future of Growth Report," and the "Chief Economists Outlook." These reports are widely referenced by governments, multinational companies, and policymakers for insights into artificial intelligence, demographic change, and the impact of geopolitical shifts on global labor markets. Beyond her work at the World Economic Forum, Zahidi has contributed to the United Nations Secretary General's high-level panel on women's economic empowerment and the European Space Agency's advisory group on human and robotic space exploration.

Zahidi is the author of "Fifty Million Rising: The New Generation of Working Women Transforming the Muslim World," which was longlisted for the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award. Her book proposal received the inaugural Financial Times and McKinsey Bracken Bower Prize for young business authors. Zahidi has been included in the BBC "100 Women" list, highlighting her influence in discussions on women's empowerment and global economic trends.

Zahidi holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Smith College, a Master of Philosophy in international economics from the Graduate Institute of Geneva, and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School. Her academic background in economics and public policy has shaped her approach to addressing complex global challenges.

Zahidi serves as Director General of the International Air Transport Association, becoming the first woman and the first person in more than 40 years from outside the airline industry to hold the position. Her expertise in technology, geopolitics, and economic policy supports the organization's mission to connect people and economies safely, efficiently, and sustainably.